Fishing on Wilson Creek at Highland Hideaways

Stocked Trout Creek

Wilson Creek is a renowned destination for trout fishing enthusiasts. Originating in the high elevations of Grayson Highlands State Park, the creek flows off the eastern slope of Mount Rogers toward the New River.

As Wilson Creek descends from the park, it becomes part of Virginia's Category A stocked trout streams. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) stocks this section with rainbow and brown trout eight times from October 1 to May 31, providing ample opportunities for anglers.

Best Time to Fish Wilson Creek

The best times to fish Wilson Creek are during the spring and fall.

• Spring (March–May): Snowmelt cools the water and triggers insect hatches—ideal conditions for dry fly fishing. The trout are active and feeding aggressively.
• Fall (September–November): As temperatures drop and air pressure lowers, trout become more active, moving into shallower waters. Brook and brown trout begin spawning during this time, so be mindful of redds (spawning nests) and avoid stepping on them.

For the best action, fish during early mornings or late afternoons when trout are most active.